Delaware is an excellent destination for aspiring medical assistants. The state is home to prominent associations for professionals in this field, offering a path to career opportunities and resources to develop advanced skills in allied healthcare.
Thanks to all of these reasons, more and more state residents are considering a career in this profession. In the following sections, we analyze the steps and requirements that candidates must meet to launch their careers successfully.
Some additional resources that candidates will find on the page include the top programs in the state and what these programs offer. We also explore income possibilities for medical assistants in Delaware and responsible factors.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Delaware
Candidates may consider the approach below to start their medical assistant careers in Delaware.
Academic Education
Even though residents are required to meet prerequisites like having a high school diploma and being at least 18 years old, the first proper step to becoming a medical assistant in Delaware is completing a training program.
Luckily, candidates have several flexibilities in this regard. For instance, those who have busy schedules may choose to go with online programs or hybrid programs that allow them to study online and then receive more training in person.
Another significant choice is to choose between certificate programs that can be completed quickly and associate degree programs that can be completed in a couple of years.
Hands-On Education
After their academic education, prospective medical assistants have a lot to learn in the real world. Instead of immediately securing employment, candidates typically spend a few months in an externship observing qualified professionals.
Continuing Education
Medical assistants can leverage their knowledge on the job to go for more advanced positions in nursing. The common pathway is to go for an associate degree program in nursing or a bachelor of science degree program in the same field.
Other pathways include becoming an office manager, phlebotomy technician, physician assistant, or surgical technician.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Medical assistants are usually advised to pursue professional credentials and certification to enjoy continuing education, networking resources, and professional credibility. Several prominent organizations offer well-rated credentials, and it really doesn’t matter which one a candidate chooses.
An option, for example, is from the American Medical Technologists, which oversees the Registered Medical Assistant credential. Candidates who have some experience working in the real world may go for this credential.
Those who are just starting can opt for the Certified Medical Assistant designation offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. The National Certified Medical Assistant credential offered by the National Center for Competency Testing and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant credential offered by the National Healthcareer Association are other excellent choices.
Top Medical Assistant Schools in Delaware
As an aspiring medical assistant in Delaware, the following are some institutions to consider for robust education.
Delaware Technical Community College
Wilmington, DE Campus + Online
Delaware Technical Community College offers a Medical Assistant associate degree and an Online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program.
Tuition
$152 - $381 per CreditContact
(302) 657-5170
jennifer.miller@dtcc.edu
Dawn Career Institute
Wilmington, DE Campus Only
Dawn Career Institute has medical assistant programs with options for diplomas or degrees in administrative medical assisting.
Tuition
Call for DetailsContact
(302) 273-3560
scarney@dawncareerinstitute.edu
New Castle County VoTech
Wilmington, DE Campus Only
New Castle County Vocational Technical School boasts a hands-on medical assistant program covering clinical and administrative skills, medical office management, and patient care.
Tuition
Call for DetailsContact
(302) 995-8000
Explore medical assistant schools in Delaware by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Newark, with an annual average salary of $49,121; Georgetown, with an annual average salary of $46,663; Wilmington, with an annual average salary of $43,596; and Hockessin, with an annual average salary of $43,494, are all great places to work as a medical assistant in Delaware. This is because, like most professions, a medical assistant’s location can be a huge influence on their annual earnings in Delaware, and the above places are the most prominent destinations.
Of course, other factors, like credentials, experience, and work environment, also play a role. However, without using any of these factors as a point of reference, medical assistants in Delaware earn an average annual salary of $43,671.
In the upper-earning category, they manage an annual average salary of $55,257, and in the lower-earning category, their yearly returns are around $34,514. Lastly, looking at the future projections, medical assistants in the state as well as around the country can expect a yearly 15% increase in employment for the next decade.